Reality

The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths is first understanding that driving is not a “right” but a “privilege”. It is a privilege that should not be taken for granted but should be taken very seriously. To hear someone, say “I have a right to drive” is simply not true.

There are so many factors to consider when taking on the responsibility of becoming a driver: once I am behind the wheel choosing to operate a vehicle, I am no longer responsible for myself. Correct. I am now responsible for myself and others who are with me and around me. Operating a vehicle is easy. Sure. My little care is adorable. It has all the bells and whistles; it is so cute. It is big enough just for me. The lyrics of a true teenager. My favorite line “It is big enough just for me”; so are coffins. A car is a car is a car; and cars weigh a lot more than humans and can do a lot more damage. The average size vehicle weighs between 3000-4000 lbs. That is a lot of weight to be managed by a single individual.

I read the manual, I have been practicing my driving technique, I passed both portions of the exam. It is official. I am a licensed driver! There is nothing wrong with being excited, but I would much rather be safe. A book will only teach you so much; experience will teach you more. Exercise common sense with book knowledge. As drivers we are all responsible for each other once we sit in the driver’s seat, believe it or not.

There are a few things I can do to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. My top 2 is: Buckling up is of extreme importance. The seatbelt is designed to secure the driver and passengers. It reduces death or serious injury; however, some people are opposed to the wearing of seatbelts. One would think that the seatbelt does more positive things for the body rather than harm the body. People will debate anything these days; smh (shaking my head). Second, SLOW DOWN! Why is everyone in a hurry today? The Fast and the Furious is an “action packed” movie and Speeding Gonzales is a cartoon character. Let us keep these individuals on our big screens, under the guidance and tutelage of the Movie Association of America.

The above mentioned are all in fun but there is nothing fun or funny about death and the finality of what could have been avoided. The “jaws of life” are real, irreversible damage is real, having to identify a loved one in the morgue is real, vehicular homicide is real and the loss of freedom is real. Yes, you can go to jail or prison.

I can recall being in 2 automobile accidents within 6 months of each other. The first one involved my grandad and myself. We were rear-ended by an individual not paying attention. My granddad’s car was totaled as result of the accident. Thankfully, we did not suffer any major injuries. The second automobile accident involved my mother and myself. My mom noticed a funeral procession about to start. She stopped to allow the police escort to assist the family during the procession. Suddenly, we were rear-ended by what felt like a mac truck. There was fear that my collarbone was broken but thankful to God, I only had sustained bruising and my mother developed back issues because of this collision. In both situations, my family and I were all wearing our seatbelts. Her car was also totaled. That is a lot of weight to be hit with; a lot of weight to control so carelessly. Once it is done, you can not take it back; no different than firing a weapon.

We can all make a conscious effort to become a better and safer driver. We must first understand how fragile life really is and realize that we are all loved by someone. I feel we should consult our local and state legislatures about not continuously increasing the speed limit on our roads, intersections, and highways. If we continue to increase speed limits, people will continue to push the envelope. It is not worth risking the life of so many due to selfishness and negligence. Hold people accountable for their actions. Let us stop adjusting the rules and turning a blind eye to bad behavior. If stiffer fines and penalties need to be imposed, so be it. We need to send a clear message that reckless and careless driving is neither tolerated or rewarded.